Haslam Proclamation Honors Men, Women In Uniform

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today issued a proclamation recognizing the sacrifices of generations of brave men and women in uniform who fought and died for our country.  

The cost of war and the price of peace are tremendous and the tradition of Memorial Day reinforces our Nation’s resolve to never forget those who have given their last full measure for the United States of America and Tennessee.  

"All of us should be thankful for those willing to serve and their families who share in their sacrifice," Haslam said. "The State of Tennessee considers ourselves fortunate to have the sons and daughters who served and are serving all of us across the country and world."

In 1971, Congress expanded the Memorial Day tradition to include all those who have died in service to our nation and the last Monday in May was officially designated Memorial Day; a day of remembrance on which we honor those who fell in defense of freedom through solemn observances.  

On this important day, communities all across Tennessee will stop to honor the great sacrifices made by our men and women who served and continue to serve in harms way.  Even though there is sadness in remembering the fallen, Memorial Day stands as a celebration of hope that the ideals of peace, freedom and posterity will shine forever in the life of our nation.  There are approximately 500,000 veterans currently residing in the State of Tennessee.

Many-Bears Grinder, Commissioner of Tennessee Department of Veterans Affairs stated “we as a Nation and as a State should never forget that freedom is not free.  We owe our deepest gratitude and support to the men and women who have served in our Armed Forces.  We honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice, and continue to care for their survivors.”  

The Tennessee Department of Veterans Affairs is organized to accomplish its mission of serving Tennessee's veterans and their families with dignity and compassion, and being their principle advocate in ensuring they receive the care, support, earned entitlements and recognition they earned in service to our nation.

For more information, visit the department’s Web site at http://www.state.tn.us/veteran/index.html.